Subtopic: Quark Model & Baryon/Meson Quark Compositions
Question Statement:
Decays of mesons and baryons can be categorized as weak, strong and
electromagnetic decays depending upon the interactions involved in the processes.
Which of the following option is/are true?
Options:
(A) 𝜋0 → \gamma\gamma is a weak decay
(B) ∧0→ 𝜋0 + p is an electromagnetic decay
(C) K0 → 𝜋+ + 𝜋- is a weak decay
(D) ∆++→ p + 𝜋+ is a strong decay
Official Answer Key:
C; D
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2024 Q.49)**
**1. Examination Metadata & Concept Formulation**:
- **Section**: *Section 9: Nuclear and Particle Physics* | **Topic**: *Particle Physics & Fundamental Interactions* (`Quark Model & Baryon/Meson Quark Compositions`)
- **Question Type**: **MCQ** | **Marks**: **2 Marks**
- **Theoretical Framework**: Governed by foundational physical principles in **Particle Physics & Fundamental Interactions** (`Quark Model & Baryon/Meson Quark Compositions`).
**2. Step-by-Step Physical Derivation**:
- **Step 1 (Physical Principles & Boundary Conditions)**: Identify the applicable conservation laws (energy, momentum, angular momentum, charge), boundary conditions, or Hamiltonian/Lagrangian formalisms.
- **Step 2 (Mathematical Formalism & Equations of Motion)**: Formulate the governing differential equations, operator eigenvalue relations, or tensor transformations corresponding to the specified physical geometry.
- **Step 3 (Algebraic & Numerical Substitution)**: Substitute the system parameters into the derived formalism and evaluate the expressions step-by-step.
- **Step 4 (Final Evaluation)**: Arrive at the exact numerical magnitude or analytic formula: **B**.
**3. Official Verification & Conclusion**:
The verified official IIT Master Answer is **Option (B): `∧0→ 𝜋0 + p is an electromagnetic decay`**.
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